46th Anniversary Campfire and Cleanup, 12th - 13th July

Hi Guides!

Today was the day of the highly anticipated 46th Anniversary Campfire! All the Guides were buzzing with excitement as they went about putting the finishing touches on all the structures and decorations. Everyone worked hard and fast to ensure the success of the campfire. 

After lunch, the different committees went back to work before the dry run. The Songleaders and Emcees rehearsed everything once through and the Audio- visual (AV) equipment was set up. The Performance Committee also made sure that they were familiar with both the wet and dry weather plans.

Eventually, it was time for the dry run! The Year 1s, 2s and 3s watched the performance put up by the Songleaders and their enthusiasm was evident. They sang along and also performed their various batch performances. 

After that, the Guides had some time to wash up and have dinner with their respective committees. Next, the Guides went off by patrols to take photos at the photo booth which was fun and memorable! Everyone got copies of their photos as keepsake to mark this momentous occasion. (: The Guides also sang along to the Campfire songs to familiarize themselves for the actual Campfire. Everyone was truly enjoying themselves!

Soon, the guests started streaming in and the ushers took their positions. The Guides whom were not ushers took the time to roam around and take photos. All the guests looked happy and excited, and they also marvelled at the majestic structures! 

Finally, the guests settled down and everyone did the Adigi Cheer together to welcome the guests. Then, the Campfire officially begun. The Emcees started off by introducing the guests of honour and allowing them to light the Campfire. It was such a spectacular sight, seeing the wires on fire and the flame burning so brightly. As mentioned by the Emcees, it represented our passion for Guiding, which was so true. 

Then, the Songleaders sang the first four songs, which was followed by the Lion Dance by the Dunman High Crane Scouts Troop and the batch performance by the Year 3s, which was to the song "Carry You" by Union J. After that was the Company Cheer which lived up the spirit of the audience.

Next, the Songleaders continued the next few songs and then it was time for the medley of songs, which was the batch performance by the Year 1s and 2s. Everyone sang along to "Long Live" by Taylor Swift and the mood was really hyped up!

Then, the Songleaders continued with some of the most popular Campfire songs such as Cannibal King and a popular song from Frozen called "Let It Go". These songs were really well received by the audience who couldn't help but sing along. :) 

After this section of songs, some guests went up to stage to try to guess the items placed in boxes. Afterwards, everyone participated in a game of "Limbo Rock" which proved to be quite challenging!

The next section of songs marked the peak of the campfire. During this juncture, the Firewood Committee promptly added firewood such that the fire became larger and brighter. The Songleaders then led the excited audience to sing and dance along to the songs. The audience even ran around the campfire during the song "A Thousand Legged Worm", which is always present in campfires and is ever so popular with the audience! 

Everyone sang along to the 团歌 and this really gave the Guides a sense of pride and belonging to the Dunman High Guides family. Following this was the video made by the Special Event Committee which allowed the Guides to reminiscence the various memorable Guides activities.

The next section of songs took on a much slower pace because it was slowly progressing to the end of the Campfire. The song "朋友" was one of the crowd's favorites because it really reflected the theme of the Campfire- The Tie that Binds. Many old Guides were also reminded of the friendships forged during their memorable time in Guides. 

Following that, was the Campfire Yarn by Ms Tang which reminded the audience to truly treasure the time spent in Guides. Next, was the appreciation for the various teachers of the four Uniformed Groups. 

Last but not least, the final songs of the Campfire became much slower in pace and much more relaxed in nature. Everyone swayed along to the songs such as "细水长流" and "Auld Lang Syne". It was such a heartwarming end of the Campfire as the Campfire was declared closed. Everyone's hard work and effort for the past few months made this Campfire such a success! The guests were obviously pleased and appreciative of the effort put in by the Guides.

After the Campfire ended, it was time for clean-up and supper before lights out. The Guides had some time to spend with their patrols to bond. Finally, lights out was at 12 midnight. 

Songleaders

The next day, the patrols had to clean- up. It was tiring at times but everyone pushed through and worked together to complete all the tasks. 

This Campfire was so well- received, it really was a hallmark in the history of Dunman High Guides. Hopefully, everyone will be present at the 50th, 55th and 60th Anniversaries as well as many more in the future! :)

Thoughts from a Year 1...

We had a photo booth session before the whole campfire started. As guests started to come in, the Guides, Scouts, NPCC and SJAB also arrived. During campfire we had songs, games and even performances. Our batch (Year 1s and 2s) performance was pretty good and although I didn't perform, I helped to sing the songs of the performance. We also had an inspirational yarn by Mrs Tang. It was about friendship and with the touching music background, it was really inspirational and touching.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

Although we have spent many Saturdays preparing for this camp fire ever since the start of the June holidays, I do believe our efforts for the campfire has paid off. It was satisfying to see the many happy faces of the old Guides as they view the booths, reminiscing their guiding days. This camp fire too provided me the chance to think on what it means to be a Dunman High Guide and our Guiding promises. To be a Dunman High Guide is to be a Guide who always gives it her best. I am proud to say I am a Dunman High Guide. Although we have evolved over the years from our structures to our activities, our sister spirit still remains. This campfire has fostered even closer bonds and friendships between my fellow Guides. I am thankful to be able to take part in the celebration of our 46th anniversary!

Thoughts from a Year 2...

It was finally the day of the long awaited campfire. Everyone was working hard under the hot sun for the final dash for the campfire at night. It was really nice seeing the old Guides coming back and taking pictures together. Although everyone was very tired after the campfire, it was all worth it. Being able to take part in this once in five years campfire, I am grateful to be able to learn many new skills and forge stronger ties with my juniors and batchmates.

Thoughts from a Year 3...

People started streaming in in groups and it was heartening to see the ladies reuniting and catching up after countless years. No words could express this as well as our campfire's theme, "The Tie that Binds". The time spent in Guides was truly a wondrous piece of unforgettable memory as it could bring old Guides back together even after so many years when they have became adults and started their families. The thought of reuniting with my lovely, beautiful sisters years down the road led me thinking how fortunate I was to join the Dunman High Guides family.

The campfire was a magical one, bringing back the old Guides' memories through the various touching songs and video. One I could not forgot was when we cheered our Company Cheer with gusto. The old Guides too could remember our Company Cheer as they cheered along with us, making us feel as though we were one. It was a moment when everyone was filled with pride! They also returned us a cheer which I think was used in the past and unfortunately, not passed down.

Time passes and a batch at a time will pass down. However, the Dunman High Guides spirit will not cease to exist but be carried on, passing down from batch to batch. “一日童军，一世童军". Looking forward to the 50th Anniversary campfire!